In a recent meeting, the Douglas County Public Utility District (PUD) approved a power purchase agreement with Puget Sound Energy, solidifying their partnership in renewable energy. The agreement, running from 2026 to 2032, builds on their collaboration for clean energy supply. Preliminary budgets unveiled during the meeting detailed investment plans for 2025, encompassing the Distribution System, Hydrogen Production, and Wells Hydroelectric Project. Notably, the Wells Project, a significant hydroelectric facility on the Columbia River, is central to Douglas PUD's energy generation, with ongoing rehabilitation efforts to enhance its efficiency. The introduction of a pilot renewable hydrogen production facility near Wells marks a strategic move to improve operational flexibility. By utilizing two 5 MW electrolyzers, the facility aims to enable smoother grid balancing, reducing the need for extensive mechanical adjustments at the hydroelectric plant. This initiative is expected to lower maintenance requirements for turbine units and associated equipment, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency and supporting grid stability.